What are the growth habits of the Maxillaria?

Growth habits of the Maxillaria

The Maxillaria likes a hot and humid climate, and needs sufficient sunlight. In spring, autumn and winter, the sunlight is milder, so it can receive full sun; in summer, move it to a spot with half-day sun or away from the strong direct midday light, and you can also use shade netting to block part of the light.

For the growing medium, it is best to use sphagnum moss, which has better water retention; water when the sphagnum moss is half dry. When short of water, the pseudobulbs will shrivel and develop wrinkles, but they will recover as soon as they are watered again. Every spring and summer, new shoots sprout again from the base of the pseudobulbs, and they grow extremely fast. It is recommended to repot into a larger pot as needed, so that besides retaining moisture better, the pot will not tip over because it is top-heavy.

Because it grows fast, it needs more fertilizer. It is recommended that, besides regularly applying some slow-release fertilizers such as Magic Fertilizer and Osmocote as a base fertilizer, you can also apply some quick-acting fertilizer when growth is faster in spring and summer, such as Hyponex No. 2 20-20-20 at 3,000 times dilution, watered once a week. Propagation is mainly by division, best in spring and summer; each 3-5 bulbs can be used as one unit and planted separately into pots.

Ornamental value of the Maxillaria      

Perhaps the flowers of the Maxillaria are not especially outstanding, but its fragrance is very attractive; just plant one and the whole room will be filled with fragrance. Friends who want to buy one should seize the flowering season to choose one at the flower market, otherwise once the flowering season passes, it will not be so easy to find, because although a Maxillaria that has not bloomed can also be appreciated as a foliage plant, without the fragrance to complement it, it is harder to create a desire to buy, so flower sellers will not display it either.